The Smoot family and Slave Pit Inc. released a statement regarding the official cause of death of guitarist Cory Smoot. Cory had played the character of Flattus Maximus for over ten years, and was discovered dead on the band’s tour bus on Nov. 3rd of this year. He was 34.

Stated North Dakota coroner William Masselo, MD:

“We have finalized the autopsy report and death certificate. I have determined that Cory died from a coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease.”

The band, which will continue as a four-piece until the current tour schedule is complete, has officially retired the character of Flattus Maximus, and has announced no plans regarding a new GWAR-tarist.

Metal Blade and GWAR have since set-up the Smoot Family Foundation to raise funds for Cory’s wife, Jaime, and their unborn child. Donations can be made HERE. Also, at The Canal Club in Richmond, Va. on January 7th there will be a record release show (featuring Mensrea, Cannabis Corpse, DBX and more) for Cory’s solo record, “When Worlds Collide”, which he had completed working on just prior to his death. The album will be released early next year, with all proceeds going to the Smoot Family Fund.

Photo: Moloich Photography Ltd. Photographer: Dave Flewwelling

Ancient Antarctic metal marauders GWAR will carry on with their plans to tour Europe in Jan. 2012, despite the recent death of guitarist Cory Smoot, during the bands “Return of the World Maggot Tour”.

Said GWAR spokesman Dave Brockie a.k.a. Oderus Urungus– “When Cory died, we all wanted to go home and take care of the family and our own grief. But the best way to do that is by playing all the shows we have planned. The response from the U.S. metal community and especially the whole international GWAR family has been overwhelmingly supportive…these GWAR fans need the chance to pay their respects to Cory, and cancelling any shows would deprive them of that.”

“Let’s make these shows a celebration of Cory Smoot, one of the most amazing players in metal…I am calling on the European GWAR family to get out there and drag everybody in sight to these gigs! We shall honor Flattus Maximus in the only way we know how…by rocking the fuck out!!!”

The Smoots, GWAR, and Metal Blade Records have created the “Smoot Family Fund”, and GWAR and Slave Pit are calling on the metal community to support Cory’s family in this tragic time. Donations can be made here http://www.metalblade.com/smootfamilyfund/
“C’mon everybody from our rock star buddies to the most zit-covered bohab,”said Brockie. “Cory had a growing family that is going to need help-for a long time. Of course GWAR is doing everything we can, and we need you to help as well.

If you would prefer to donate to the Smoot Family Fund by mail, the address is:
Slave Pit Inc
C/O Smoot Family Fund
PO Box 5225
Richmond, VA 23220

The band has officially retired the character of Flattus Maximus, and will finish the U.S. and Europe tours as a four-piece. GWAR lead singer Oderus Urungus had this to say about their missing lead guitarist-

“Flattus, without our permission I might add, has stolen our Skumship and returned to his beloved home planet, Planet Home. So once again we are marooned on your miserable planet!”

Check out an amazing video tribute to Cory HERE

For 27 years GWAR’s relentless tour schedule and bristling release schedule have been evidence of the bands fanatical dedication to not only their fans but metal itself. GWAR’s decision to continue on with these tours has put that dedication to the test like nothing before. Now more than ever they need your support. HAIL FLATTUS, AND HAIL GWAR!

GWAR EUROPEAN TOUR DATES

01/11/12 – BE – Antwerp – Trix
01/12/12 – UK – Bristol – Bierkeller
01/13/12 – UK – London – Electric Ballroom
01/14/12 – UK – Coventry – Kasbah
01/15/12 – UK – Manchester – The Ritz
01/16/12 – UK – Belfast – Spring & Airbrake
01/17/12 – IE – Dublin- Button Factory
01/18/12 – UK – Wrexham – Central Station
01/19/12 – UK – North Yorkshire – The Duchess
01/20/12 – UK – Swansea – Sin City
01/21/12 – UK – Nottingham – Rock City
01/22/12 – UK – Reading – Sub 89
01/24/12 – UK – Portsmouth – Highlights
01/25/12 – DE – Bochum – Matrix
01/26/12 – DE – Bielefeld – Forum
01/27/12 – DK – Copenhagen – The Rock
01/28/12 – SE – Gothenburg – Brewhouse
01/29/12 – NO – Oslo – Rockefeller
01/30/12 – SE – Stockholm – Klubben

(These recent pictures of Cory Smoot were taken backstage at NBC Studios on Oct.27th, 2011, as Cory got ready for GWAR's second appearance on Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon.)

Arrangements have been finalized for the memorial service for Cory Smoot AKA Flattus Maximus. The service will take place this Friday November 11th at the Bennett Funeral Home Chesterfield Chapel, located at 14301 Ashbrook Parkway in Chesterfield, VA. The private service begins at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that contributions be made to the “Smoot Family Fund”.  Contact Smootfamilyfund@gmail.com.

GWAR will have to cancel two performances on their current tour, so they can attend the services. Thursday November 10th in Medford, OR and Friday November 11th in San Francisco, CA are the dates that are affected. Tickets for both dates will be refunded at point of purchase. The complete remainder of the tour with Every Time I Die, Ghoul and Warbeast will resume as scheduled Saturday November 12th at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, and runs through Sunday November 27th at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT.

GWAR ON TOUR
11/12 West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
11/13 Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse
11/14 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre
11/15 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
11/16 Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
11/18 Austin, TX @ East Side Drive In
11/19 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
11/20 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
11/21 New Orleans, LA @ The Hangar
11/22 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
11/23 Tampa, FL @ Green Iguana Stadium
11/25 Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre
11/26 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
11/27 New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place